Trash or Treasure? | Bangkok Post: tech

As manufacturers stretch gadget genres to claim new profit frontiers, it seems a good time to take an inventory and see if there is any superfluous gadgetry lying around the house.

As the functionality of devices expands, some overlap is inevitable. For example, a new smartphone can potentially replace a compact camera, camcorder, GPS, USB drive and portable media player.

So, which devices are worth hanging on to, and which are destined for the scrap heap? Let's check the shelves.

HDDS _ TOSS/KEEP

Whether inside a functioning computer or as external drives, HDDs can be used as storage devices once their original system crashes around them.

Storage technology is improving, however, and, in terms of capacity, units under 80GB have little value, and older drives will slow down new systems if used as a primary drive.

Don't throw unwanted drives directly into the bin, however. Proper disposal is extremely important, as old drives are laden with personal information, which may be used against a previous owner. The safest disposal methods involve physically destroying the drive with a power tool, angle grinder or anything else you can get your hands on. But there is also software available that will wipe clean your data beyond a basic reformatting tool, which won't cut it.

NOTEBOOKS _ TOSS

Sadly notebooks lose their resale value pretty much as soon as you walk out the shop door. And their value continues to plummet throughout their lifespan.

With little or no resale value after two years, they inevitably gather dust, are rarely upgraded and instead replaced. The short two-three year lifespan for a new notebook is more tolerable these days as prices have fallen so far.

DESKTOPS _ TOSS

Holding their value a little better than their notebook buddies, ageing desktops are often retained by nostalgic users but seldom used.

Any parts inside a PC older than a few years have little value, except hard drives, as discussed above.

External devices such as keyboards and screens can be used with a notebook at home, so are generally worth keeping. However, an old 17-inch CRT monitor isn't worth the desk space anymore.

If an old PC can still crawl, downgrade the operating system and use it as a wireless server or download and storage point for, er ... user-generated media via the internet. The media can be played through the old machine on an attached TV or monitor without fuss. And if you add a wireless mouse and keyboard, you have a home media centre.

OLD PHONES _ KEEP

Everyone now has a collection of old phones somewhere in their house. They usually have no resale value, unless they are under a year old. But they can be useful to give to visiting friends or running other sim cards on.

GPS _ TOSS

For everyday users, the GPS functionality offered by many smartphones suffices for basic navigation tasks.

It might not be able to save your life in the middle of the Amazon, but will certainly track a driving or hiking track for you to use later.

COMPACT CAMERAS _ KEEP

Hold onto your point and shoot for now if it still takes decent photos, but dont buy a new one. Most urbanites sport a smartphone these days, which all but replaces the lens needs of the majority of amateur photographers.

I'm just starting to take decent photos with my iPhone 4 after a couple of months' practise and rarely pack my compact camera anymore.

DSLR _ KEEP

A DSLR will typically outlast a flimsier compact camera, and throwing one away would be a waste of the time invested in learning to use it.

Also, the cost of second-hand DSLR equipment is testament to the fact that the gear holds its value, which is especially true for lenses.

Most users can fulfil happy snap requirements with a smartphone and lug a DSLR around for more lucid snaps when required.

Thumb drives are still the quickest and easiest way to move files around. They eliminate the need for syncing devices via bluetooth, infrared or Wi-Fi.

For small files, pass them through the cloud via software such as dropbox, which is a free download at www.dropbox.com, or via email, thanks to the generous inboxes that free email clients offer as they trawl through all your data behind the scenes.

PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYERS _ TOSS

It seems like only yesterday that Apple stole the attention of the world with the release of the iPod. But smartphones have all but replaced the need to carry a separate media player. The only exceptions are purpose-specific devices such as those for exercise, underwater or group viewing.

CAMCORDERS _ TOSS

Camcorders are quickly becoming a thing of the past as other devices take video functionality on board. If you are committed to a larger lens device, then try to bundle video capacity with an DSLR or at least a compact camera.

But most users are better off buying an HD-video-capable smartphone such as an iPhone or Nokia N8, which are perfect for blogs or social media. Gimmicky devices such as Sony's Bloggie and the Flip Video won't last.

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Email richardm@bangkokpost.co.th  with any gadget queries.